Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ¾ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Olive oil spray; ½ cup buffalo sauce; Rice (for serving); Carrots (for serving); Celery (for serving); Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 54 reviews

If you love snacking on spicy, saucy chicken that’s bursting with flavor but without the greasy aftermath, you are in for a real treat. This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe combines the satisfying juiciness of boneless wings with a crispy outside, all made effortlessly in the air fryer. It’s the perfect blend of fiery buffalo sauce and tender chicken bites that feels indulgent but is surprisingly sensible. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or hosting a game day gathering, these bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that satisfies every craving without any guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate filled with many raw chicken pieces that are cut into small, uneven chunks with a pale pink color and smooth texture. Around the plate are three white ramekins: one filled with a bright red sauce, one with white powder, and one white bowl holding five different spices arranged in small piles—white salt, orange-red paprika, light brown garlic powder, beige onion powder, and black pepper—each distinct and finely ground. The scene is set on a white marbled texture surface with soft lighting and clear focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe just right depends on a handful of simple, but absolutely essential ingredients. Each one works in harmony to create that perfect texture and bold flavor profile you’re craving. From the chicken itself to the seasoning that adds depth, and finishing with the buffalo sauce that delivers heat, everything here packs a punch.

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean, tender base that ensures every bite is juicy and satisfying.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Key for achieving that crispy, golden crust without frying in oil.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory aromatic layer that blends beautifully with the buffalo heat.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken evenly.
¾ teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the bites.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mellow sweetness and depth.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
Olive oil spray: Helps the chicken brown beautifully in the air fryer while keeping it light.
½ cup buffalo sauce: The star of the show—bright, spicy, and tangy buffalo sauce that clings perfectly to every crispy bite.
Rice, carrots, celery, and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving: Classic accompaniments that balance the heat and add texture contrast.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by placing your cut chicken breast pieces into a large mixing bowl. Then add baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly. This seasoning blend not only flavors the bites but also helps create that crave-worthy crispy coating in the air fryer without extra oil.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating is an often overlooked step but it’s essential for getting a perfect crispy texture right from the start. A hot fryer basket sears the chicken pieces beautifully.

Step 3: Arrange and Spray

Once preheated, place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure to leave some space between each piece so air can circulate well. Then, give them a light spritz of olive oil spray—this helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior without needing to deep fry.

Step 4: Cook Until Crispy

Cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they’re perfectly cooked and juicy inside. The bites should be crispy on the outside and tender through the center—just like your favorite wings, but better for you.

Step 5: Toss with Buffalo Sauce

Warm the buffalo sauce in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to make it easier to coat. Then transfer the hot chicken bites to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over, and toss to coat every piece in that irresistible spicy glaze. This is the moment the magic happens!

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

A white plate shows a dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is white rice, fluffy and spread evenly on one side. Next to the rice are chopped celery pieces in light green and chopped carrot pieces in bright orange, placed side by side. On top of the rice in the middle are small pieces of cooked chicken coated with a reddish sauce. White sauce is drizzled over the chicken and parts of the rice and celery. In the background, a white plate with more reddish chicken pieces sits on a wooden board, and a clear jar with more white sauce is placed next to it. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes elevate any dish, and these buffalo chicken bites are no exception. Fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks bring crunch and a refreshing contrast to the spicy bites. Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over or serve on the side for dipping—it cools the heat perfectly and adds a creamy richness that’s just divine.

Side Dishes

Serving these bites over a fluffy bed of rice makes for a more filling meal. The rice acts like a neutral canvas for soaking up the buffalo sauce flavors. For a more veggie-forward option, pair with a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables to balance the heat and add variety to your plate. No matter your choice, these sides complement the star dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Try serving your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe on skewers for easy grabbing, or pile them high in mini bread bowls for a fun party appetizer idea. You can even layer them over nachos with melted cheese and green onions for a delicious twist on game day snacks. Presentation really turns up the excitement factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This short fridge life keeps the chicken tender and the seasoning fresh, so every bite later tastes almost like freshly made.

Freezing

For longer storage, these chicken bites freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months frozen without losing flavor or texture, making them perfect for quick reheat meals or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat and revive the crispiness, pop the chicken bites back in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to retain that perfect texture, as it tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and can add extra flavor, but they may take a few more minutes to cook through. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature to make sure they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is baking powder necessary for this recipe?

Yes! Baking powder is crucial as it helps the chicken develop a crisp skin in the air fryer without frying. It reacts during cooking to create that light, crunchy texture that’s a highlight of this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free buffalo sauce and sides. This recipe is naturally minimal in gluten-containing ingredients.

How spicy is the buffalo sauce used?

The buffalo sauce provides a moderate heat that is classic and balanced—not overwhelmingly hot but with a good kick that chicken lovers adore. You can easily adjust the heat level with milder or hotter sauces depending on your preference.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients. Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can prevent the chicken from crisping properly.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe is one of those dishes that you just want to keep coming back to. It brings together convenience, flavor, and a touch of indulgence without any of the guilt. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, these crispy, spicy bites are sure to win hearts (and appetites). So go ahead, give this recipe a try and enjoy every crispy, saucy, delightful bite!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need